Sunday, 20 July 2014

A bit weary this morning, up a little later than the past two days, as I had no classes to teach & was up late again having fun with the girls in my cabin. We had certainly gotten along so well & firmed up our friendships.

After breakfast today I was in class again with Natalie from Peruzi https://www.facebook.com/Peruzi.net .We were going to be taking our dried clay creations & decorate them with glazes.This was a 3 hour class & you would think painting on glaze would be fast..... hmmmmm ,not so my friends not so! LOL. First we had to sponge clean up our items, then lightly cover them with our coloured glazes,letting the glaze dry in between, before finally coating them in a gloss glaze. The gloss glaze step was optional. The steps involved certainly makes you appreciate the time & work that goes into a ceramicists work & gets you hooked :-). I am saving for a kiln. YAHHHHHH!!!!!

BLISSFULLY GLAZING

Other brilliant classes taking place in the same time frame where, "Magatama Ring' taught by Coral from Bead Weaving,https://www.facebook.com/BeadWeaving these ladies are teaching machines LOL. Pictured below left, "Paisley Peacock Earrings" run by Terri McDonald, pictured below right.

PAISLEY PEACOCK EARRINGSMADE BY JANELLE

MAGATAMA RINGPHOTO JACINTA DONOVAN

Another "Introduction to Filigree' from Cheri Bate took place up in the leaders cabin, https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/GemsOfOz?ref=si_shop
We had "Beaded Crystal Ball" taught by Christina Armstrong,pictured below left, along with "Tips n Tricks with Translucent Clay" from Karen Cooke,pictured below centre & right.

BEADED CRYSTAL BALLPHOTO LINDA HARRIS

TRANSLUCENT CLAY CLASSPHOTO ALIDA

TRANSLUCENT CLAY CLASSPHOTO ALIDA

and last but not least for the morning sessions Pauline with her "Next Step, Sculptural Glass Bead Making".

Lunch time rolled around & I was feeling pretty relaxed after glazing away with Nat. Enjoyed a slow lunch & getting revved up for the class I was booked in a for the afternoon. A 3D bead weaving class I was very excited to be doing this class with the very lovely Yvonne Ireland. Now the class was going along splendidly & was I managing to keep up & on track, but I sadly developed a bad head & the seed beads became enemy number 1 :-(. I have all my bits n bobs back here at home with me ready for me to complete. Its such a divine project & I will finish it soon. But in the meantime here is one my friend Seona completed. Seona has her own Business page on FB also https://www.facebook.com/SeonaMargaretDesigns

3 D SEED BEADED COMPONENTS

In the afternoon a few of the classes where full day sessions so they continued on right through to the 4.30 time slot. Such as " Tips N ricks with Translucent Clay" We also had another session of glazing for Nat's students who had created earthenware pieces. Liz Reed was running her final session of "Bezel Set Rings" & Pauline had an "Open Torch Session " for those more proficient lamp workers.

With the final set of classes finishing up for the retreat at 4.30pm the realisation of the retreat coming to an end started to dawn upon me. I was sad but also happy. Happy to be going home to see my family ( hubby & 4 children) but so sad that I would be saying goodbye to some amazing women. Thankfully I can catch up with them on FB & have those friendships continue to strengthen. Until such times Ican hang with them all again.
With all this in mind, I set off for my last dinner at the retreat with my new friends.

After dinner all of the retreaters had the fabulous opportunity to purchases more goodies with another "Mini Market" taking place. This was just genius really as some of the tutors where selling kits to their classes that had been held. Perfect as I had seen many finished projects from these classes & set off to grab kits for my girls & I to complete at home. Not to mention of course all the supplies that one had to have LOL.

BELLA BEADS

MY MINI MARKET STASH

Once I was all Mini Marketed out, I sat for a while with the very generous & super clever Sharon Hutton for the Free Beading session, Sharon guided me through learning a twisted herring bone rope using two different sized seed beads,which gives a lot of twist & definition to the rope. It was getting late & I wasn't far off wanting to hit the sack. So myself & E.K got to clearing up the big conference hall,putting tables away & giving the whole place a once over with the vaccuum. Phewwww worked up a sweat....Was rewarded with a Jersey Caramel Vodka, now there's a drink that will knock ya socks off LOL.

Time to turn in, Back to the cabin, got myself sorted to pack up in the morning. Guess What???? My cabins mates & I where up again gas bagging till 3am.
Fell asleep finally ! Only to wake up at 5.30am to this face peering in at me from the darkness of our cabin door......I was stunned & befuddled all at once! Door shuts...I flew up out of bed ready to attack, like a Ninja. Only to discover it was just Chez, looking for her travel companions. Just got the wrong room....Talk about laugh. :-).
I did actually go back to sleep till around 8ish, got up showered rushed off to breakfast. Finished up there,packed the car did the rounds for about an hour of see ya's,hugs,kisses & goodbyes before heading off home.

All images & projects featured here in this Blog & on the Aussie Bead Retreats site are protected by IP laws of Australia. Photo's used have been done so with the permission of those who have taken the photo's.

Wednesday, 16 July 2014

Another early start today & Ohhhhh I have quite the sore throat this morning from all that Karaoke LOL :-). Lucky for me I was feed lots of lozenges by my fellow campers throughout the day. A sharing caring bunch of women. I was back to normal by end of day. No more raspy sexy voice ....

I followed the same routine as the day before, up at 6.45am shower, off to the conference room to set up the work stations & off to breakfast.....The breakfasts at Camp Manyung where just yummy.

Today's class had 8 students so a full session. Again I was blessed with wonderfully talented ladies from all walks who really took to the class with great gusto, as had the ladies done prior to them.
Below is some shots from my students of there completed works & their during class shots.

WORKSHOP PIECESFROM SEONA

COMPLETED PIECESBY BRENDA

DURING CLASS SHOT

Again during the same time frame other classes where also being conducted, we had another day full of variety & something suitable for all skill sets.

Liz Reed was instructing her second Fold Forming Class,this was by popular request. We also had Natalie teaching a beginners class 'Working with Earthenware Clay Basic'

Sharon Hutton (teacher extraodinaire ) was today teaching a '4 Strand Chunky Crochet Necklace" which one of her students sent me a shot of completed, below left. Also being taught was Cellini Spiral taught by Coral of

A relatively quiet morning all in all, I think we were all a bit tuckered our from all the fun of the party the night before. Nothing a great lunch wont fix :-) The lunches were just yummy as the breakfast, lovely & healthy too!

After lunch it was time for the afternoon sessions. Now of course not everyone books into a class in every session. Some folks liked to relax back in their cabins, whilst others took walks on the beach, drives into the closest town or simply sat and created in the general beading area.
But for those who wished to partake a smorgasbord of classes were on offer starting with an,
"Introduction to Filigree' with Cheri Bate,pictured below left. Cheri has an online Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/au/shop/GemsOfOz?ref=si_shop
'Cubic Right Angle Weave with Coral from https://www.facebook.com/BeadWeaving pictured below right.

We also had Chez Mathieson teaching 'Fluer DeLis Bracelet' https://www.facebook.com/pages/Southernbeadz/113826615305495?ref_type=bookmark will pop up a picture when once becomes available. Cheryl McLeod from Bead weaving was back again this time teaching 'Beaded Kumihimo Necklace" pictured below left, Val Spencer-Sun was also back on board this time teaching 'Oriental Lace Earrings' using chainmaille techniques, pictured below right.

ANGIE FROM CHICKY BABE BEADSMID WAY THROUGH KUMI CLASS

IN CLASS SHOT WITH NIKKI & SEONAWITH NIKKI'S FINISHED PAIR & A CLOSEUP OF ONE OF SEONA'S EARRINGS

Liz Reed was conducting her second class on 'Bezel Set Rings" with some outstanding pieces being produced. Pictured below

Sharon Hutton was back again in the afternoon with another spectacular class "Free form Twisted Wire Necklace' I unfortunately do not have a photo of Janeen's piece but trust me I was blown away.

As you can see it was another jammed packed afternoon with loads of choice. With classes finishing again at 4.30pm we got out 1 1/2 hour downtime. I liked to use this time to go freshen up in preparation for dinner at 6pm as well as catch up with my roomies.

Now as if that wasn't enough to tickle your fancy you could have after dinner, registered for Debi Goodwin's class "Soy candles & Natural Body lotions"as pictured below.

LOADS OF LUSCIOUS GOODIESPHOTOS ALIDA MACGREGOR

Now for me it was off to finishing class for my Resin pieces to learn how we de-mould successfully and do our fine finishing. Pictured below, still quite a bit of work to do on them.

Once I was all informed & up to scratch with my resin bits, I toddled off with new my buddy EK to sit in & watch some late night finishing up on projects with Liz Reed.

A few relaxing beverages & off to bed I went......WOW by this time I was truly knackered.

All images & projects featured here in this Blog & on the Aussie Bead Retreats site are protected by IP laws of Australia. Photo's used have been done so with the permission of those who have taken the photo's.

Monday, 14 July 2014

After a long night up with my roomies, I still managed an early start, up at 6.45am to be showered & organised for my first class. This is the first year I have participated as a tutor. I could hardly contain my excitement. So off I went to work off some nervous energy before breakkie, I organised the table arrangements for the morning classes, as well as setting up my own area.
Once everything was all done, I made my way to the mess hall to enjoy a hearty breakfast starting at 8am with classes beginning at 9.

CLASS SET UP INTRODUCTION TO MICRO SCREWS & RIVETS

I had a class of 6 for my first session,with the ladies all being of varying ages & backgrounds within the world of jewellery design.

We went along very smoothly with all set projects being completed. !!!! Woohoo & yippee. ( I felt so happy & such a sense of achievement) Here I was worried I wouldn't have enough for them to do in the 3 hours. I enjoyed every moment of the class with these wonderful women.

At the same time as my class was running other classes where also being conducted both in the conference hall where I was stationed as well as in the leaders cottage & the big room at the rear of the mess hall.

Flower Power Polymer clay class run by Karen Cooke photo's below. Karen to the left & Liz to the right

FLOWER POWER POLYMER CLAY

FOLD FORMING WITH LIZ REED

FOLD FORMED LEAFPHOTO KAREN COOKE

MICRO MACRAME WITH KAT GRAY

Other classes run in the same time slot where "Micro Macrame' with Kat Gray, "Freeform Wire Bezel" with Terri McDonald, "Working with Earthenware Clay Basic" with Natalie Fletcher-Jones from Peruzi https://www.facebook.com/Peruzi.net

After the morning classes had been completed it was time for a chill & a regroup over lunch. Loads of excited chatter filled the lunch room as we all eagerly discussed what we had done, & off course who's got what next. Little squeaks of excitement & phrases such as "Oh Yah I am in that class with you" could be heard across the room.

We also had a very neat surprise waiting for us at lunch this day. Our retreat organisers had been busily creating goodies bags for all attendees. Loaded with lots of wonderful pieces from our sponsors.

GOODY BAGS RECEIVED BY RETREAT ATTENDEES

For me after lunch I was in Natalie's "Toggles/Connectors with Stoneware Clay" class.

I've had the privileged of previously been taught by Nat & new it was to be a very relaxing class. Designing & sculpting into clay. The 3 hour session simply flew by.

MID CLASS CLAYING SHOT

MY STONEWARE PIECESSOME ARE TOGGLES THE REST ARE CABS ETC

Other classes being conducted at the same time 1.30pm till 4.30pm where "3D Beaded Components" with Yvonne Ireland pictured below left (photo Nikki McPhan) "Beaded Triangles" run by Christina Armstrong pictured below right.

We also had "Celtic Knotting" run by Sharon Hutton, a continuation of the "Lampworking" run by Pauline & continuing on from the morning also was "Freeform Wire Bezel" with Terri. Val Spencer-Sun was teaching "Viking Weave with Pearl or Crystals", Liz Reed had started her sessions of "Bezel Set Rings" and Karen was finishing up her all day session with "Flower Power Polymer Clay"

3D BEADED COMPONENT

SEONA WITH HERCOMPLETED BEADED TRIANGLESWHICH BECAME EARRINGS

I decided that having a bit of free time between 4.30pm & 6pm (dinner) I would take a wander around the campus to see other classes as they where packing up. The girls in lamp working had been super productive after their session with Pauline. A stroll up the hill to Liz Reed's class where the ladies had been creating bezel set gemstone rings.....soooo delicious. It was the perfect time to catch up & look at all that had been created during class as everyone was relaxed and keen to show off there achievements.

Honestly there was so much creative energy the place was buzzing.

For the evening the retreat organisers had a wonderful themed party planned after dinner, so before we went off to dinner everyone retreated back to their cabins to get all dress up in the theme "Peace,Love Beads'

We were treated to a night of fun & frivolity by first picking a hippy flower from the bag & sitting at the relevant table. This was to encourage us all to sit with new peeps.We also had a trivia section, a handbag scavenger hunt, best dressed comp & after party karaoke. UH HUH yeap! I did get up and sing a long with a big bunch off girls.......We ROCKED IT teeheeee cough, cough, LOL

Now for a bunch of happy snaps from the night.

ALL DRESSED UP READY TO PARTY

GROOVY SISTERS

WAY OUT MAN!

SOME SILLY TABLE ANTICS

FINALISTS IN THE BEST DRESSED COMP

To be a part of these fabulous retreats simply visit the Retreat website

Sunday, 13 July 2014

Up early to finish getting organised to leave for the retreat. Lucky for me, no flying this year as it's based an hour from my home, down in Mount Eliza. A lovely easy drive straight down the Eastlink.

LOCATION OF RETREAT

Taking a moment to squeeze in a workout to calm the nerves & excitement of actually teaching this time round......

Also using this time to visualize in my mind all that I need to take, towels, pillows, hair dryer, chargers..... The list is endless.

However I did manage to become organised & ready to go two hours early. (I did discover once I arrived & unpacked I forgot my supply sheet for class) Oh well...At least I can email this to all students.

After some time filling activities I still managed to arrive before the 2pm check-in. So I chilled out in the car waiting patiently for other retreaters to arrive. The weather was slightly unfavourable but being winter I was prepared. The rain & cold however did not dampen the tranquillity & beauty of the selected venue.

MY FIRST IMPRESSION OF THE VENUE SO VERY LUSH & GREEN

The first person after myself to arrive was Karen Cooke. Karen had the list showing the bunking arrangements, so her & I registered the Retreats arrival & got to sorting out the cabins.

Slowly people began to trickle in & the buzz of the retreat had begun.

Once I was settled in my cabin I was off to help Sharon H with workshop area set up, a lovely large conference area with kitchen/ stage & bathroom facilities. After the initial base setting up was done it was time to meet my roomies & take some time to wander & chat & put some faces to names.

MARY-ANNE & ALI

NAT & ANGIE

Late afternoon had come around & it was time to set up for the mini market. This was to take place after dinner.Where those who create & sell kits, lamp work,ceramics & supplies all had the opportunity to sell their wares. Pictured above are Natalie from Peruzi http://www.peruzi.net/ as well as Angie who runs Chicky Babe Beads http://chickybabesbeads.com.au. To the right is a snap of both Mary-Anne & Ali Kelly who are both lamp workers.

After Mini-Market set up, with a majority of us all having arrived, it was time for our organisers Alida & Nikki to give us all a big warm welcome. This included a lovely welcoming speech from one of the YMCA camp organizers.

With the formalities out of the way it was time for dinner, I had certainly worked up an appetite during setting up time :-). With dinner complete some where heading off to get the Mini Market under way. Whilst others headed up to the area for those who wanted to sit & create.

MY POURED PIECES

DURING CLASS SHOT

A fabulous class with what looks to be great results. De-Moulding happens around 24-48 hours after we pour & then it's a butt load of finishing.

With Resin class finishing around 9ish, I decided to head up to the big conference room for a bit more of a chit chat & see all the designs out for the challenge.

Each retreat has a theme & this one was "Flower Power"

CHALLENGE PIECES

CHALLENGE PIECES

CHALLENGE PIECES

Some absolutely magnificent work . With such a lot of wonderful ideas & creativity.

Phewwww what a day!!! Time for bed..so I thought LOL...... My cabin mates and I were up chatting & getting to know each other better till the wee hours. The sheer excitement of being here at the retreat was too great.

All images & projects featured here in this Blog & on the Aussie Bead Retreats site are protected by IP laws of Australia. Photo's used have been done so with the permission of those who have taken the photo's.